Project Title: Mannings Hong Kong: Elevating Chinese New Year Celebrations with Interactive Magic
Category: Event Design / Interactive Media / 3D Animation

Overview:

For Mannings Hong Kong’s 2019 Chinese New Year celebrations, we created an interactive outdoor experience that combined cutting-edge 3D animation with a personalized, immersive engagement feature. Located in the bustling Causeway Bay area, the project was designed to enchant visitors of all ages, offering them a chance to immerse themselves in the festive spirit and capture unique memories through technology.

The Challenge:

The goal of the project was to design an experience that not only highlighted the joy and excitement of Chinese New Year but also utilized technology in a way that felt fresh and meaningful. The challenge was to develop an interactive feature that engaged the public while maintaining the traditional spirit of the holiday. This involved creating a visual spectacle that would appeal to a wide audience, from young children to older adults, while remaining easy to interact with and accessible.

Creative Solution:

The concept was built around two key components: a captivating 3D animation video that conveyed the Chinese New Year message and an interactive photo upload feature that transformed user-uploaded images into naked-eye 3D displays. By blending traditional imagery and holiday themes with cutting-edge technology, we aimed to elevate the celebration and make it a memorable experience for every visitor.

1. 3D Animation Video:
   We designed a dynamic 3D animation that served as the centrepiece of the event, showcasing key Chinese New Year motifs like lanterns, fireworks, and traditional greetings. The animation was carefully crafted to bring the festive atmosphere to life, with vibrant colours and fluid motion that appealed to the audience and captured the essence of the holiday. The animation was shown in outdoor display spaces, drawing attention and building excitement.
2. Interactive Photo Upload Feature:
   To engage visitors directly, we developed an interactive photo upload system, where participants could upload their photos and watch them transform into naked-eye 3D displays. This technology allowed users to see their photos in a whole new way—giving them a 3D effect without the need for special glasses. The photos were enhanced with festive elements such as animated fireworks, red envelopes, and lanterns, adding a layer of magic and personalization to the experience.
3. Project Oversight and Execution:
   As the lead editor and content monitor, I was responsible for overseeing the full production process, ensuring that both the animation and interactive components were seamlessly integrated. I collaborated closely with our team to ensure the technology functioned flawlessly, from handling the 3D modelling to troubleshooting real-time interactions. Additionally, I worked on the fine details of the user interface, ensuring that the photo upload process was smooth and that visitors could easily engage with the experience.

Impact:

The Mannings Hong Kong 2019 Chinese New Year outdoor interaction exceeded expectations in creating an engaging and immersive atmosphere for the celebration. The combination of interactive 3D technology and festive animation captivated the audience, creating a sense of wonder and joy among visitors. The photo transformation feature became a hit, with participants delighted by the personalized experience and the opportunity to share their festive moments with family and friends.

Key Skills Demonstrated:

• 3D Animation & Video Production: Crafting a visually compelling 3D animation that conveyed the festive message of Chinese New Year in a modern, dynamic format.
• Interactive Media Development: Designed and oversaw the development of the interactive photo upload feature, which used naked-eye 3D technology to transform user images into festive, animated creations.
• Event Design & Technical Coordination: Ensuring the smooth execution of the event by coordinating the integration of technology with physical installations, delivering a seamless interactive experience.
• Project Management: Managing the production timeline, coordinating between teams, and overseeing quality control to ensure that the project met high standards of execution and delivery.

Conclusion:

The Mannings Hong Kong 2019 Chinese New Year outdoor interaction project was a shining example of how technology can enhance traditional celebrations, bringing a fresh twist to age-old customs. Through interactive 3D elements and personalized engagement, the project created a memorable and exciting experience for the public, inviting them to participate in the festivities in a new and innovative way. By blending creativity, technology, and tradition, we successfully elevated the Chinese New Year celebration, leaving visitors with lasting memories of their time spent at Mannings Hong Kong.